Black in Period Films

Day 28 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Portrait of Captain T. Shorey with wife Julia Ann and their daughters Zenobia and Victoria in Oakland, CA 1898. William T. Shorey was a skilled late 19th-century American whaling ship captain. This opulent portrait only gives us a hint at the lifestyle the Shorey family led. The achievements of Captain Shorey and the prominent background of his wife Julia Ann Shelton would make for an awesome film or series. Additional Links African American Registry Page - https://goo.gl/orXud5 Shorey Black Past Page - https://goo.gl/7PoJrZ Wiki Page - https://goo.gl/VPTBC3 Shorey Family on the United States Census, 1900 - https://goo.gl/aciH51 William Thomas Shorey California County Naturalization Record - https://goo.gl/jgKyGg

Day 27 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Portrait of a Young Woman Bohemia/Czech Republic (c. 1645) Etching by Wenceslas Hollar This portrait of a young black woman in 1645 Bohemia creates so many different possibilities for period films or series. While most period films with characters of African descent are placed between the 1800s and 1900s, this portrait and the collection it belongs to shows they could go back much further. I would love to see a black character in a Stuart Era period film. Additional Links Wenceslaus Hollar - https://goo.gl/WvYx6U University of Toronto Wenceslas Hollar Digital Collection - https://goo.gl/hK7FCG

Day 26 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Peter Dupree and Un-named Wife. Dupree enlisted in the Union Army in 1864 and was killed in 1864. Photo most likely taken in Kirkwood, Missori. We don't know the name of his wife or how she coped with their separation after his enlistment. I want a film that gives this couple a story. A period film about the wives of the black soldiers in the union army. Additional Links Blacks Soldiers in the Civil War - https://goo.gl/wewrVY

Day 25 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Rose Meta Morgan (1912 – 2008) began a beauty empire in Harlem, New York, during the 1940s and quickly became a powerhouse in the field and highly respected in African American high society. I would enjoy a film or series about the journey of a woman born to sharecroppers. Who through hard work and determination ends her life as one of the most prolific businesswomen of her time. Rose Meta Morgan was an incredible businesswoman and her story should be told. Someone should write it.  Additional Links  Rose Morgan History Maker - https://goo.gl/rAJXTg Brown Girl Herstory - https://goo.gl/oKTCJq

Day 24 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Bootmaker named Charley a free Black resident of Norfolk England in the early 1800s. Part of a collection of fifty-one paintings held by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. I love how he has displayed the boots. I would love a period film or series from the point of view of this free black 19th century businessman. Additional Links  Norfolk's Black History - https://goo.gl/yKaqnv

Day 23 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* First organized in 1916 as the 15th New York National Guard Infantry Regiment and manned by black enlisted soldiers with both black and white officers, the U.S. Army’s 369th Infantry Regiment, popularly known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” was the best known African American unit of World War I. The “Harlem Hellfighters” was the best known African American unit of World War I. Their band was world renowned for their ragtime and jazz music. Lead by the popular Lt. Jim Europe the Hell Fighters band introduced jazz to Europe and cut 24 records. I think their story would best be told as a miniseries. Additional Links The Swingin’ Harlem Hellfighters Band - https://goo.gl/oRdGHQ Marching To War With Jazz - https://goo.gl/HojmH8 369th Infantry Regiment “Harlem Hellfighters” - https://goo.gl/N4oe9U Discography and Band Member List - https://goo.gl/QhHh6R

Day 22 Black History Month Write It! Series  *Photo of the Day* Josephine  Holloway is the founder of the first black Girl Scout troop. The photo shows Holloway and her granddaughter Nareda in the early 1960s. Her  strength and determination are admirable. Josephine Holloway’s decade long fight for recognition within the Girl Scouts and her work to set up multiple thriving troops is worthy of a film. Additional  Links Josephine  Groves Holloway - https://goo.gl/MUXVzK Girl Scouting Was Once Segregated - https://goo.gl/Erjgsq Girl  Scouts Website - https://goo.gl/Ztf8zk

Day 21 Black History Month Write It! Series  *Photo of the Day* Jackie Ormes (1911 – 1985)is known as the first African-American woman cartoonist with a syndicated comic strip. Her confident, smart and independent cartoon characters--Torchy Brown, Candy, Patty-Jo, and Ginger--delighted readers. Jackie Ormes’ life would be an entertaining biopic. Her characters, Torchy Brown, Candy, Patty-Jo, and Ginger were smart, stylish, and socially savvy. Set in the 1940s or 1950s, the lives of her leading ladies would also create an enjoyable film or series. Additional Links www.jackieormes.com Found in the Collection: Jackie Ormes! (1911-1985) - https://goo.gl/dQNQBk Torchy Brown - https://goo.gl/bB1Fj8 The legacy of Jackie Ormes - https://goo.gl/sLnFwF Black Past Page - https://goo.gl/2R8z6T Jackie Ormes - Torchy Brown Project - www.torchybrown.com

Day 20 Black HistoryMonth Write It! Series *Photo of the Day*  "Children’s fashion contest, in front of Green’s Employment Agency" Otis Butler, photographer c 1928 This photograph of a children's fashion contest in 1928 Harlem raises questions about childhood during The Harlem Renaissance. The answers to these questions would be the basis for an amazing film or series about a group of children growing up during this social and artistic movement. Additional Links Harlem Hidden History - https://goo.gl/Qqwqyk Harlem in 1920 - https://goo.gl/qmWTwL

Day 19 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* This piece of art is a portrait of a cook. Amazingly, her name is not lost to history; Martha Church. What was life like for Martha Church the cook? Was she enslaved or free? Happy, unhappy, or content? And what are the stories of the other two women of African descent draw by the same artist? Additional Links Martha Church (Cook) Art – https://goo.gl/Tnj1tb  and https://goo.gl/ip8DSu Jene (Scrubwoman) - https://goo.gl/iJ84uv Mulatto Girl Art - https://goo.gl/6Ds9C6 Slavery in New Jersey - https://goo.gl/56tY2q The Artist - https://goo.gl/7xCLt5

Day 18 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Editorial staff of the Hill Top, the student paper at Howard University from Life magazine in 1946. The photos in the Life magazine series, gives a glimpse into Howard University life circa 1946. This photograph is a part of a wonderful series of pictures featured in a 1946 edition of Time Magazine. What were the hopes and dreams of the students attending Howard University in 1946? A film or series about the staff and students would be entertaining. Additional Links The Life Magazine Article - https://goo.gl/dGF5z119

Day 17 of our Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day*  Jimmy Winkfield was a Thoroughbred jockey and horse trainer from Kentucky, best remembered as the last African American to ride a winner in the Kentucky Derby. He won back to back at the 1901 and 1902 Kentucky Derbies. Jim Crow caused him to leave to Russia where he continued to grow in fame and success as a jockey. He survived the Russian Revolution and World War 2. He is a legend of epic proportions and deserves a film or series.  Additional Links  Read This!! - https://goo.gl/vU45zd This To - https://goo.gl/NoHra8

Day 16  of the Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* This portrait of Rita, a 19th century Afro-Brazilian opens to door to so many period film and series opportunities. Research shows that Rita may have been a free woman of color. I would love to watch a period film with an Afro-Brazilian protagonist, set in 19th century Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Additional Links Rita’s Portrait - https://goo.gl/fcTbKu Free Afro-Brazilians in the 19th Century - https://goo.gl/SGXy3n

Day 15 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Robert J Wilkinson was a talented barber. He owned his own barbershop in a popular Victorian era hotel in Missouri called the Planter’s House Hotel. Wilkinson was a part of the “colored aristocracy”. I would watch a film or series about this amazing Victorian businessman. Additional Links Image - https://goo.gl/fUdYUn Missouri History - https://goo.gl/sV8Fio The Southern Hotel - https://goo.gl/TN45L6 Robert Wilkinson and Family in 1860 Census - https://goo.gl/CBM1bu

Day 14 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* These three women from Guadeloupe represent a story that is not often told in period films.  The story of the Edwardian era immigrant of African descent, coming through Ellis Island. Wearing their cultural garb and holding their hopes, dreams, and aspirations firmly in their hearts they set out for a better life. I’d love to see a period film based on these ladies.  Additional Links Photograph - https://goo.gl/bC8iwm Portraits of Ellis Island Immigrants - https://goo.gl/xmcxK2 On Guadeloupe Culture - http://caribya.com/guadeloupe/culture/

Day 13 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Geraldine Whittington made history as the first African-American to be the executive secretary to a sitting U.S. President. From her appearance on What’s My Line to her being the first to learn of Thurgood Marshall’s appointment as the African American Supreme Court Justice Gerri has a place in history. A film about her accomplishments would help do that. Additional Links What’s My Line Appearance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyTsMTPExWA What’s My Line Photo Source: https://goo.gl/sWwJTz An Article on Her: https://goo.gl/ZG2Jqc Integrating the Forty Acres Club : https://goo.gl/NwBFAy

Day 12 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* These two Zydeco musicians seem to be the perfect candidates for a period film. They have so much character in this picture. I would love to follow them as they work at their musical dreams and aspirations.  Additional Links Image - https://goo.gl/4dv2P7 I nfo - https://goo.gl/TTCdiL More - https://goo.gl/RzD8MT

Day 11 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* Mary Fields (ca. 1832-1914), also known as Stagecoach Mary and Black Mary, was the first African-American woman star route mail carrier in the United States. While she has been on screen, she has not received a film/series all her own. Mary Fields deserves to be the center of her own story. She lived an amazing life rift with events perfect for the screen. Additional Links  True West Magazine - https://goo.gl/x9WFjh America Comes Alive - https://goo.gl/NNSSW6 Real Women - https://goo.gl/XJxybU It's About Time - https://goo.gl/Yq1Ged History.com - https://goo.gl/BRiKb3 Women's History Matters - https://goo.gl/SmTVbc

Day 10 Black History Month Write It! Series *Photo of the Day* The life of Horace King would make a perfect series. He was a talented and creative architect. After building prominence as an architect, he continued building his legacy. He started life as a slave and ended it as a highly respected bridge builder. Additional Links Horace King -  https://goo.gl/cbihga Wiki Page -  https://goo.gl/JtPW22

The photo for today is of four African American women in a YWCA office. The Young Women's Christian Association has a long history of inclusion and advocacy for all women. There are many stories to tell. Additional Links https://ywcachicago.org/about/ywca-history/local-timeline/ http://www.ywca.org/site/c.cuIRJ7NTKrLaG/b.7515891/k.C524/History.htm https://www.thebalance.com/the-history-and-impact-of-the-ywca-on-women-s-rights-3515999

Day 8 Of our Write It Series for Black History Month. This lovely photo shows a grandfather and granddaughter in 1910 Louisiana. Photos like these cover a wide span of years as they contain multiple generations. There are so many questions to ask. The answers will no doubt create a full and rich period film or piece of historical fiction. Additional Information Image Info - https://goo.gl/4eKFRu

Day 7 Black History Month Write It! Series Photo of the Day! Titled Philadelphia Fashions, 1837 the etching features a lovely couple of Free People of Color. However, this photo is more than meets the eye. On the surface, the image appears to be harmless, quite beautiful actually. However, once inspected you realize that the artist used stereotypical language to degrade the couple in the etching. This image was a part of an entire series dedicated to mocking the dress and social aspirations of free blacks. I strongly believe that film and television can be used as a corrective force to past caricatures. Additional Information Zoom In - https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/digitool%3A130193 http://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/archive/cartoons-and-cartoonists/28814_ca_object_representations_media_93164_mediumlarge/ http://utc.iath.virginia.edu/abolitn/gallclayf.html Andrew Diemer Article - http://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/archive/free-b

Day 6 Black History Month Write It! Series! Born free to wealthy free black parents in 18th century Jamaica Francis Williams has an interesting story. How would you tell his story? Resources http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/f/francis-williams-a-portrait-of-an-early-black-writer/

These four ladies were involved in criminal activities in Edwardian San Francisco and Omaha, leaving us with these mugshots an interesting stories to tell. Sources Annie Green - https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/tf0g5006hd/ Minnie Bradley - https://capturedandexposed.com/2017/06/08/angry-in-omaha/ Dolly Mickey - https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/tf1v19p022/ Gertrude Smith - https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/tf4j49p2b4/ Viola Davis Quote - http://screenertv.com/television/oscars-2012-viola-davis-reacts-talks-serial-killers/ Criminals - https://northomahahistory.com/2016/07/14/a-short-history-of-crime-bosses-in-north-omaha-nebraska/ Victor B Walker - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_B._Walker

For Day 4 of Write It! 2018 we look at a picture of a young black newsie from 1924 Newark, New Jersey. I decided on this picture after reading an article on the more accurate Newsie castings. Source http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ncl2004005089/PP/ https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2018/01/inquiring-minds-director-casts-girls-as-newsies-citing-librarys-historical-photos/ https://www.gettyimages.com/license/450957913

For Day 3 of our Write It! Series we discuss what aspects could be included to make a wonderfully entertaining 1940's period film. What do you want to see in a 1940's period film? I want to see romance, careers, friendships, and fashion! Check out the Blacks in Period Films board titled, "1940's in Life & On Screen" for these images and more!

For Day 2 of our Write It! series we discuss my ideas for a series about Sideron and Cupid, two young pages from Curacao that were members the court of Stadtholder William V of the Dutch Republic Netherlands.  Resources:  Orange and black: the forgotten history of black servants at the court of Willem V http://www.dutchnews.nl/features/2017/10/the-fascinating-story-of-two-african-child-servants-at-the-dutch-court/ Esther Schreuder ‘s Blog https://estherschreuder.wordpress.com/2015/02/27/wanted-painting-by-jean-humbert/

The first picture of our 2018 Write It series, is this amazing picture of an African American settler family. How would you write the story of this family? Who would you cast?  Sources Picture Source https://blackhistoryalbum.tumblr.com/post/145084612294/little-house-on-the-prairie-1880s-african Nicodemus, Kansas Photos https://www.pinterest.com/pin/78672324719331903/ http://www.kshs.org/km/items/view/307511 https://timeline.com/black-settlement-nicodemus-kansas-d86dc066b08 All Colored People Poster https://www.kshs.org/p/nicodemus-bibliography/13416